Liz Abbott drawings

Press, 15 August 1984, Page 46

Liz Abbott drawings

“Studies in Life." Drawings and Prints by Liz Abbott, at the Blue Ladder, 87 Cashel Street, until August 16. Reviewed by John Hurrell. These 17 works on paper by Liz Abbott are presented in the Blue Ladder theatre, 'in a tiny gallery space behind the seating arrangements. As a venue, the gallery provides opportunities for younger artists to show their work to the public- for the first time. Instead of being conventionally framed, the works in this exhibition have been displayed peeking through apertures cut in a roll of

corrugated cardboard fastened to the walls. This unorthodox method of presentation is undoubtedly better than pieces of paper just pinned on the walls, and for a show as tentative as this, a sensible alternative to expensive framing. In spite of the very ordinary, studentish quality of her drawings, three or four prints indicate that Liz Abbott is an artist of considerable promise. One very delicate .line etching shows a figure with the fingers of one 'iand pressed over his face, around his nose. The undulating rhythms of the

lines and the economy of their execution make this very lyrical work the highlight of the exhibition and reason alone for a visit. This is in spite of the fact that many of the other works are mediocre. Other good prints are two more detailed and richly textured etchings depicting portraits of a young man and of an older woman. They show that with more experience and with a careful selection of consistent quality and i» technicpie, Liz Abbott could present.good exhibitions in the future.